Ankle and foot support system

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems relating to an ankle and foot support system are disclosed. Some embodiments may include a covering having a cable tightening mechanism and a cable forming an exposed loop. The exposed loop may be attached to a loop receiving member located on the covering. The exposed loop may also be attached to a footwear loop anchor located on an article of footwear. In some embodiments, the covering may include more than one exposed loop for attaching to more than one loop receiving member located on the covering, as well as more than one footwear loop anchor located on an article of footwear. In some embodiments, adjusting the cable tightening mechanism may secure the covering to the article of footwear.

BACKGROUND

The current embodiments relate generally to athletic support equipment.More specifically, the current embodiments relate to systems and methodsfor supporting an ankle and foot.

Various types of athletic sports equipment have been previously proposedfor use in a variety of applications. Sports participants, footballplayers for example, may desire additional support to the ankle and footregion in order to help prevent injuries to the ankle and/or foot.Conventional methods for providing foot and ankle support includeathletic tape wrapped around the ankle region as well as the foot.However, there are several disadvantages to conventional taping methods.For example, taping ankles often requires the skills of an athletictrainer in order to be properly applied, which can be expensive. Inaddition, conventional taping methods are time consuming and are notadjustable once they have been applied. The amount of ankle supportprovided by conventional taping methods are not consistent and may varywith each application since a new tape wrap must be applied before eachathletic event. Even after conventional taping methods have beenapplied, the taping may still lack the desired stiffness and support tothe ankle and/or foot region.

Some methods of providing foot and ankle support include providing aspat. However, conventional spats may shift or move since they are notsecured directly to the article of footwear.

SUMMARY

Methods and systems relating to an ankle and foot support system aredisclosed. Some embodiments may include a covering having a cabletightening mechanism and a cable forming an exposed loop. The exposedloop may be attached to a footwear loop anchor located on an upper of anarticle of footwear. In some embodiments, the covering may include morethan one exposed loop for attaching to more than one footwear loopanchor located on an upper of an article of footwear. In someembodiments, adjusting the cable tightening mechanism may secure thecovering to the article of footwear.

In one aspect, a method of providing support to an ankle and foot isdisclosed. In one embodiment, the method may include providing acovering having an outer surface, wherein a cable tightening mechanismis rotatably attached to the outer surface proximate to a top edge ofthe covering. In some embodiments, the method may also include providinga first cable segment extending between the cable tightening mechanismand a first exposed loop portion located on a lateral bottom strap ofthe covering, the first cable segment having a first portion and asecond portion, the first portion of the first cable segment attached tothe cable tightening mechanism and the second portion forming the firstexposed loop portion. In some embodiments, the method may also includeproviding a second cable segment extending between the cable tighteningmechanism and a second exposed loop portion located on a medial bottomstrap of the covering, the second cable segment having a first portionand a second portion, the first portion of the second cable segmentattached to the cable tightening mechanism and the second portionforming the second exposed loop portion. In some embodiments, the methodmay also include contacting a portion of an article of footwear with aportion of the covering, the article of footwear having a first footwearloop anchor mounted on a lateral side of an upper of the article offootwear and a second footwear loop anchor mounted on a medial side ofthe upper. In some embodiments, the method may also include positioningthe first exposed loop portion around the first footwear loop anchor. Insome embodiments, the method may also include positioning the secondexposed loop portion around the second footwear loop anchor. In someembodiments, the method may also include rotating the cable tighteningmechanism in order to tighten the first exposed loop portion around thefirst footwear loop anchor and the second exposed loop portion aroundthe second footwear loop anchor.

In another aspect, a method of providing support to an ankle and foot isdisclosed. In one embodiment, the method may include providing acovering having an outer surface, wherein a cable tightening mechanismis rotatably attached to the outer surface proximate to a top edge ofthe covering. In some embodiments, the method may also include extendinga first segment of a cable from the cable tightening mechanism to afirst exposed loop portion located on a lateral bottom strap of thecovering, the first cable segment having a first portion and a secondportion, the first portion attached to the cable tightening mechanismand the second portion forming a first portion of the first exposed loopportion. In some embodiments, the method may also include extending asecond segment of the cable between the first exposed loop portion and asecond exposed loop portion located on a lateral side edge of thecovering, the second cable segment having a first portion and a secondportion, the first portion forming a second portion of the first exposedloop portion and the second portion forming a portion of the secondexposed loop portion. In some embodiments, the method may also includeextending a third segment of the cable between the cable tighteningmechanism and a third exposed loop portion located on a medial sidebottom strap of the covering, the third cable segment having a firstportion and a second portion, the first portion attached to the cabletightening mechanism and the second portion forming a first portion ofthe third exposed loop portion. In some embodiments, the method may alsoinclude extending a fourth cable segment between the third exposed loopportion and a fourth exposed loop portion located on a medial side edgeof the covering, the fourth cable segment having a first portion and asecond portion, the first portion forming a second portion of the thirdexposed loop portion and the second portion forming a portion of thefourth exposed loop portion. In some embodiments, the method may alsoinclude positioning an article of footwear between the lateral bottomstrap and the medial bottom strap of the covering, the article offootwear including a first footwear loop anchor mounted on a lateralside of an upper of the article of footwear and a second footwear loopanchor mounted on a medial side of the upper. In some embodiments, themethod may also include disposing the first exposed loop portion aroundthe first footwear loop anchor, the first footwear loop anchor adaptedto receive the first exposed loop portion. In some embodiments, themethod may also include disposing the third exposed loop portion aroundthe second footwear loop anchor, the second footwear loop anchor adaptedto receive the third exposed loop portion.

In another aspect, a method of providing support to an ankle and foot isprovided. In some embodiments, the method may include providing acovering having an outer surface, wherein a cable tightening mechanismis rotatably attached to the outer surface proximate to a top edge ofthe covering. In some embodiments, the method may also include providinga first cable segment having a first portion and a second portion, thefirst portion of the first cable segment attached to the cabletightening mechanism and the second portion forming a first exposed loopportion located on a lateral bottom strap of the covering. In someembodiments, the method may also include extending a third portion ofthe first cable segment within a first tube guide, the first tube guideattached to the outer surface of the covering, the third portion of thefirst cable segment slidably engaged with the first tube guide. In someembodiments, the method may also include providing a second cablesegment having a first portion and a second portion, the first portionof the second cable segment attached to the cable tightening mechanismand a second exposed loop portion located on a medial bottom strap ofthe covering. In some embodiments, the method may also include extendinga third portion of the second cable segment within a second tube guide,the second tube guide attached to the outer surface of the covering, thethird portion of the second cable segment slidably engaged with thesecond tube guide. In some embodiments, the method may also includepositioning an article of footwear between the lateral bottom strap andthe medial bottom strap of the covering, the article of footwearincluding a first footwear loop anchor mounted on a lateral side of anupper of the article of footwear and a second footwear loop anchormounted on a medial side of the upper. In some embodiments, the methodmay also include placing the first exposed loop extension around thefirst footwear loop anchor, the first footwear loop anchor extendingsome distance from the article of footwear. In some embodiments, themethod may also include placing the second exposed loop portion aroundthe second footwear loop anchor, the second footwear loop anchorextending some distance from the article of footwear. In someembodiments, the method may also include rotating the cable tighteningmechanism in order to tighten the first exposed loop portion around thefirst footwear loop anchor and the second exposed loop portion aroundthe second footwear loop anchor.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the currentembodiments will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skillin the art upon examination of the following figures and detaileddescription. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods,features and advantages be included within this description and thissummary, be within the scope of the current embodiments, and beprotected by the following claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The current embodiments can be better understood with reference to thefollowing drawings and description. The components in the figures arenot necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed uponillustrating the principles of the current embodiments. Moreover, in thefigures, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the different views.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an ankle support systemin the closed position;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a cable tighteningmechanism;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a covering in the openposition;

FIG. 4 is a lateral side view of an embodiment of a removable anklesupport system as the foot is inserted into the covering;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of an embodiment of an ankle support system wherethe first and second fasteners are secured once the foot is positionedin the covering;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an ankle support systemwhere tension is being applied to the cable using the cable tighteningmechanism;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an ankle support systemwhere tension is being released from the cable using the cabletightening mechanism;

FIG. 8 is a lateral side view of another embodiment of a covering foruse in an ankle support system;

FIG. 9 is a medial side view of the covering shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a medial side view of another embodiment of a covering foruse in an ankle support system;

FIG. 11 is a lateral side view of the covering shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is one embodiment of a loop receiving member for use in an anklesupport system;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the loop receivingmember shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a lateral side view of another embodiment of a covering foruse in an ankle support system;

FIG. 15 is a medial side view of the covering shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a lateral side view of one embodiment of an ankle supportsystem, including the covering shown in FIGS. 14 and 15;

FIG. 17 is a medial side view of the ankle support system shown in FIG.16;

FIG. 18 is a rear view of the ankle support system shown in FIGS. 16 and17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a reinforcement strapattached to a footwear loop anchor;

FIG. 20 is a bottom view of one embodiment of athletic footwear havingincluding footwear loop anchors shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a lateral side view of one embodiment of an ankle supportsystem including a removable cam lever locking mechanism;

FIG. 22 is an enlarged side view of one embodiment of a cam leverlocking mechanism for securing cable once an ankle support system hasbeen properly positioned; and

FIG. 23 is a top view of the cam lever locking mechanism shown in FIG.22.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of ankle support systems and methods are disclosed.In some embodiments, as seen in FIG. 1, an ankle support system 100 mayinclude provisions for a protective covering 105 placed over a portionof the wearer's foot, ankle and/or leg. In some embodiments, thecovering 105 may also be placed over a portion of an article of footwear130.

Conventional articles of footwear include two primary elements, an upperand a sole structure. The upper may form a layer over the foot thatcomfortably receives and securely positions the foot with respect to thesole structure. The sole structure may be secured to a lower portion ofthe upper and may be generally positioned between the foot and theground. In addition to attenuating ground reaction forces (i.e.,providing cushioning) during walking, running, and other ambulatoryactivities, the sole structure may influence foot motions (e.g., byresisting pronation), impart stability, allow for twisting and bending,and provide traction, for example. Accordingly, the upper and the solestructure may operate cooperatively to provide a comfortable structurethat is suited for a wide variety of athletic activities.

The upper may be formed from a plurality of material elements (e.g.,textiles, polymer sheets, foam layers, leather, synthetic leather) thatmay be stitched or adhesively bonded together to form a void on theinterior of the footwear for comfortably and securely receiving a foot.More particularly, the upper may form a structure that extends overinstep and toe areas of the foot, along medial and lateral sides of thefoot, and around a heel area of the foot. The upper may also incorporatea lacing system to adjust the fit of the footwear, as well as permittingentry and removal of the foot from the void within the upper. Inaddition, the upper may include a tongue that extends under the lacingsystem to enhance adjustability and comfort of the footwear, and theupper may incorporate a heel counter.

An upper may be depicted as having a substantially conventionalconfiguration incorporating a plurality of material elements (e.g.,textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather) that are stitched oradhesively bonded together to form an interior void for securely andcomfortably receiving a foot. The material elements may be selected andlocated with respect to the upper in order to selectively impartproperties of durability, air-permeability, wear-resistance,flexibility, and comfort, for example. In some embodiments, an ankleopening in the heel region provides access to the interior void. In someembodiments, the upper may include a lace that is utilized in aconventional manner to modify the dimensions of the interior void,thereby securing the foot within the interior void and facilitatingentry and removal of the foot from the interior void. The lace mayextend through apertures in the upper, and a tongue portion of the uppermay extend between the interior void and the lace. Given that variousaspects of the present discussion primarily relate to the solestructure, the upper may exhibit the general configuration discussedabove or the general configuration of practically any other conventionalor non-conventional upper. Accordingly, the overall structure of theupper may vary significantly.

In some embodiments, the covering 105 may be disposed around the solestructure, in addition to the upper. In some embodiments, sole structuremay be secured to the upper and has a configuration that extends betweenthe upper and the ground. In addition to attenuating ground reactionforces (i.e., cushioning the foot), the sole structure may providetraction, impart stability, and limit various foot motions, such aspronation.

The term “covering” as used throughout this specification and claimsrefers to any structure that wraps or encloses a portion of a foot, leg,ankle, and/or article of footwear. In some embodiments, covering mayrefer to a spat that is adapted to be positioned over an article offootwear once the wearer's foot has been positioned inside the articleof footwear. A covering may be made of any material or substance thatallows the covering to be positioned over the wearer's foot, leg, ankle,and/or article of footwear.

The covering 105 may be manufactured using one or more of a variety ofdifferent suitable materials known in the art. In some embodiments, thecovering 105 may be manufactured from an elastic neoprene material. Anelastic neoprene material may provide suitable elasticity and strength,and may be wrapped easily to provide the controllable tension to thefoot, leg, and ankle of the user. In some embodiments, the covering 105may be made from a lycra material. In some embodiments, the covering 105may include waterproof material, such as a waterproof layer, coating, orfilm. In some embodiments, the covering 105 may include a breathablematerial, which may contain perforations or other such structuresenhancing breathability. In some embodiments, the covering 105 mayinclude an abrasion resistant material, such as an abrasion resistantlayer, coating, or film.

In some embodiments, indicia may be located on a visible surface of thecovering 105. For example, a player's name, number, team graphics,colors or other type of indicia may be visible when the covering 105 isplaced over an article of footwear 130. In some embodiments, thecovering 105 may be a single connected piece made from several separatepieces of material sewn together. For example, some embodiments mayinclude one or more layers, with each layer manufactured from a materialhaving different properties. However, in other embodiments, the covering105 may be made of multiple pieces, or may be a single, integral piece.In some embodiments, a surface of the covering 105 may include a surfacepattern containing geometric shapes raised from the surface of thecovering 105. In other embodiments, the surface pattern may be flushwith surface of the covering 105.

The ankle support system 100 disclosed has a general configurationsuitable for soccer or football. Concepts associated with the anklesupport system 100 may also be applied to a variety of other athleticfootwear types, including running shoes, baseball shoes, basketballshoes, cross-training shoes, cycling shoes, football shoes, golf shoes,tennis shoes, walking shoes, and hiking shoes and boots, for example.The concepts may also be applied to footwear types that are generallyconsidered to be non-athletic, including dress shoes, loafers, sandals,and boots. Accordingly, the concepts disclosed herein apply to a widevariety of footwear types.

For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are employedthroughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustratedembodiments. The term “longitudinal” as used throughout this detaileddescription and in the claims refers to a direction extending a lengthof a component, such as a sole structure. In some cases, thelongitudinal direction may extend from a forefoot portion to a heelportion of the component. Also, the term “lateral” as used throughoutthis detailed description and in the claims refers to a directionextending a width of a component. In other words, the lateral directionmay extend between a medial side and a lateral side of the component, oralong the width of the component. The terms longitudinal and lateral canbe used with any component of an article of footwear, including a solestructure as well as individual components of the sole structure.

In some embodiments of an ankle support system 100, provisions may beprovided for a covering 105 having different regions or zones offlexibility and/or rigidity. In some embodiments, the covering 105 mayinclude one or more layers of material having different propertiesrelating to rigidity and/or flexibility. In some embodiments, rigidmaterial may be included in regions where additional support is desired.For example, some embodiments may include material made from carbonfibers and/or glass fibers in areas where more rigidity is desired. Inother embodiments, rigid material may be excluded or minimized in areasor zones where more flexibility is desired. For example, someembodiments may include layers where rigid material has been cut out orremoved from the regions or zones where a higher degree of flexibilityis desired. In other embodiments, the thickness of the rigid materialmay be reduced in areas where more flexibility is desired.

In some embodiments of an ankle support system 100, ventilation may beprovided throughout different areas, or zones, of the covering 105, inorder to remove humidity trapped near the foot. In some embodiments,ventilation may be provided by holes, channels and/or cut out portionsin one or more layers of the covering 105. In some embodiments, theholes, channels, or cut out portions that provide ventilation may alsoprovide regions or zones of flexibility. However, in other embodiments,the regions providing ventilation may be separate from the regions thatprovide increased flexibility.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the covering 105 may include afirst cut out region 126 and a second cut out region 127. In someembodiments, the first cut out region 126 and/or second cut out region127 may provide for ventilation for humidity trapped near the foot. Insome embodiments, the first cut out region 126 and/or second cut outregion 127 may provide for a zone or region of increased flexibility. Insome embodiments, the first cut out region 126 and/or second cut outregion 127 may provide for ventilation in addition to a region ofincreased flexibility. Although the first cut out region 126 and secondcut out region 127 are generally elongated in shape, the first cut outregion 126 and second cut out region 127 may be any shape. For example,the first cut out region 126 and second cut out region 127 may generallybe, but not limited to, circular, square, rectangular, or any othergeometric shape. Although FIG. 1 shows a first cut out region 126 andsecond cut out region 127, other embodiments may include more or lesscut out regions.

FIG. 1 shows a covering 105 surrounding a portion of an article offootwear 130. In some embodiments, the covering 105 may be in contactwith at least a portion of the forefoot region 132, the midfoot region134 and/or the heel region 136 of the article of footwear 130. In someembodiments, a portion of the covering 105 may contact a portion of thelaces region 138 of the article of footwear 130. In other embodiments, aportion of the covering 105 may contact the entire laces region 138 ofthe article of footwear 130.

In some embodiments of an ankle support system 100, provisions may beincluded for securing the covering 105 around a portion of an article offootwear 130. For example, some embodiments may include provisions forpreventing the covering 105 from shifting or moving during athleticactivity. In some embodiments, the covering 105 may include one or morecomponents that hold the covering 105 securely in place in a variety ofdifferent manners. In some embodiments, fasteners or straps may be usedto securely position the covering 105. In some embodiments, clasps,buttons, snaps, buckles, hooks, adhesives, or other structure known inthe art may be used to securely the position the covering 105 in place.In some embodiments, fastener portions may be held in place by hook andloop fasteners (such as Velcro) located on a surface of the fastenerportion, as well as surfaces that receive the fastener portions.

FIGS. 1 and 3 show a first fastener 106 for securing the covering 105 inplace. FIG. 3 shows the covering 105 in an open position, where thecovering 105 is positioned to receive at least a portion of the articleof footwear 130. Referring to FIG. 3, the first fastener 106 may belocated on the lateral side 102 of the covering 105, and may be adjacentto the lateral side edge 170 of the covering 105. The first fastener 106may include a first end 107 that is distal to the lateral side edge 170and a second end 108 that is proximate to the lateral side edge 170. Insome embodiments, the second end 108 is hingedly attached to the lateralside edge 170 by any manner known in the art. For example, the secondend 108 may be sewn, affixed, adhered, snapped, buckled and/or fastenedto a location proximate to lateral side edge 170. The first fastener 106may also include a first surface 160 and a second surface 161. In someembodiments, the second surface 161 may include hook and loop fasteners(such as Velcro). In other embodiments, the second surface may includeany other fasteners known in the art.

In some embodiments, a first fastener receiving portion 180 may beadapted to receive the second surface 161 of the first fastener 106.Referring to FIG. 3, a first fastener receiving portion 180 may belocated on the medial side 103 of the covering 105, and may be adjacentto the medial side edge 172 of the covering 105. In some embodiments,the second surface 161 of the first fastener 106 and the first fastenerreceiving portion 180 may include hook and loop fasteners (such asVelcro). However, first fastener receiving portion 180 may be adapted toreceive the second surface 161 of the first fasteners 106 in any mannerknown in the art.

In addition to the first fastener 106, the covering may also include asecond fastener 111. In some embodiments, the second fastener 111 may belocated on the lateral side 102 of the covering 105, and may be adjacentto the lateral side edge 170 of the covering 105. The second fastener111 may include a first end 112 that is distal to the lateral side edge170 and a second end 113 that is proximate to the lateral side edge 170.In some embodiments, the second end 113 is hingedly attached to thelateral side edge 170 by any manner known in the art. For example, thesecond end 113 may be sewn, affixed, adhered, snapped, buckled and/orfastened to the lateral side edge 170. The second fastener 111 mayinclude a first surface 162 and a second surface 163. In someembodiments, the second surface 163 may include hook and loop fasteners(such as Velcro). In other embodiments, the second surface may includeany other fasteners known in the art.

In some embodiments, a second fastener receiving portion 182 may beadapted to receive the second surface 163 of the second fastener 111.Referring to FIG. 3, a second fastener receiving portion 182 may belocated on the medial side 103 of the covering 105, and may be adjacentto the medial side edge 172 of the covering 105. In some embodiments,the second fastener receiving portion 182 may include hook and loopfasteners (such as Velcro). However, second fastener receiving portion182 may be adapted to receive the second surface 163 of the secondfastener 111 in any manner known in the art. Although FIGS. 1-6 describea covering 105 having two fasteners and two fastener receiving portions,other embodiments may include more or less fasteners and/or fastenerreceiving portions.

Once the covering 105 has been positioned around the ankle, leg, and/orarticle of footwear 130, the covering 105 may then be arranged into aclosed condition to securely fasten the covering 105 in place. FIG. 1shows the covering 105 in a closed condition, where the covering 105 hasbeen positioned over a portion of the article of footwear 130. The firstfastener 106 and second fastener 111 on the lateral side 102 of thecovering 105 are attached to the first fastener receiving portion 180and second fastener receiving portion 182, respectively, on the medialside 103 of the covering 105.

Some embodiments of an ankle support system 100 may include provisionsfor adjusting the tightness of the covering 105 once the covering 105has been arranged into a closed condition around the article of footwear130. In some embodiments, cables may be slidably engaged with thecovering 105 and may be tightened using a tightening mechanism in orderto adjust the desired tension. The cable may be made of any materialknown in the art, such as metals, textiles, fiber components, or thelike. The cable may have any size or shape known in the art, forexample, a single filament, separate filaments bound or braidedtogether, or may include a flat ribbon of material. When a singleportion of material is used for cable, the ends of the cable may beattached to each other to form a closed loop. In some embodiments, theends of the cable may be attached to each other using any method knownin the art, such as using a mechanical connector, an adhesive, or bywelding or the like.

In some embodiments, the configuration of the cable throughout thecovering 105 may vary. In some embodiments, cables or strings may belocated between one or more layers of the covering 105. In someembodiments, the cables or strings are allowed to move freely betweenthe layers of the covering 105. In other embodiments, the cables orstrings may be attached to at least one surface of one or more layers ofthe covering 105. In other embodiments, the cables or strings may belocated within tube guides.

The term “tube guides,” as used throughout this specification andclaims, refers to any structure or channel that slidably receives acable. In some embodiments, a tube guide may be a tube that has beenattached to a surface. The tube may be formed from plastic, neoprene, orany other material known in the art. In other embodiments, a tube guidemay be formed by attaching a strip of material onto a surface forming achannel so that a cable is slidably received within the channel. In someembodiments, a tube guide may include both a strip of material and atube, wherein the strip of material surrounds the tube and the strip ofmaterial and/or tube is attached to a surface.

In some embodiments, the cable may be associated with a cable tighteningmechanism 110. In some embodiments, the cable tightening mechanism 110may be associated with a portion of a cable 117 having a first end andsecond end that are connected, forming a continuous loop that may beslidably engaged with the covering 105. In other embodiments, the cabletightening mechanism 110 may be associated with a portion of a cable 117having a first and second end that are fixedly attached to the covering105, while the remaining portions of the cable 117 may be slidablyengaged with the covering 105. In still further embodiments, the cabletightening mechanism 110 may be associated with a portion of a cable 117having a first and second end that are connected to one another, whereinsome portions of the cable 117 may be fixedly attached to the covering105 and other portions may be slidably engaged with the covering 105.

In some embodiments, the cable tightening mechanism 110 may vary. Forexample, in some embodiments, the cable tightening mechanism 110 may bea knot that secures one cable portion to another cable portion in orderto shorten the effective length of the loop. In other embodiments, aswill be discussed in more detail in FIGS. 21-23, the cable tighteningmechanism 110 may include a cam lever system. In other embodiments, acable tightening mechanism 110 may be any mechanical device thatshortens the effective length of the cable 117. In some embodiments, acable tightening mechanism 110 may be a reel that may be rotated inorder to wrap the cable 117 around the reel to shorten the effectivelength of the cable.

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment for adjusting the tightness of covering 105once the covering 105 has been arranged into a closed condition aroundthe article of footwear 130. Referring to FIG. 1, the tightness of thecovering 105 may generally be tightened using a cable 117 and a cabletightening mechanism 110. The cable 117 may form one continuous loopthat may be slidably engaged with the covering 105.

The cable tightening mechanism 110 may be disposed anywhere on the outersurface 121 of the covering 105. In some embodiments, the cabletightening mechanism 110 may be positioned in the center of the back ofthe covering 105. This position may prevent or inhibit accidentallyactivating the cable tightening mechanism 110 while wearing the covering105. In other embodiments, the cable tightening mechanism 110 may bedisposed on a lateral side 102 of the covering 105. Disposing the cabletightening mechanism 110 on the lateral side 102 of the covering 105 mayminimize the contact between the cable tightening mechanism 110 andother obstacles, such as players or the ball. In some embodiments, thecable tightening mechanism 110 may be located on the front of thecovering 105. In other embodiments, the cable tightening mechanism 110may be disposed on the front of the covering 105, to allow the wearer toeasily adjust the tension when using the cable tightening mechanism 110.

In some embodiments, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, a cable 117 may beassociated with the cable tightening mechanism 110. In some embodiments,the cable 117 may include a first segment 115, generally located on thelateral side 102 of the covering 105, and a second segment 120,generally located on the medial side 103 of the covering 105.

Any suitable cable tightening mechanism 110 may be used, and the cabletightening mechanism 110 may be any type of mechanism known in the art.Some embodiments may use one or more aspects of the cable tighteningsystems disclosed in Hammerslag, U.S. Pat. No. 7,591,050, which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In addition, or in thealternative, some embodiments may also use one or more aspects of thecable tightening systems disclosed in Hammerslag, U.S. Pat. No.6,289,558, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of one embodiment of the cable tighteningmechanism 110. As shown in FIG. 2, the cable tightening mechanism 110may include a handle 233 generally positioned around an exterior of thecable tightening mechanism 110, a top 235 generally positioned in thecenter of the handle 233, a spindle 237 generally positioned underneaththe top 235, and a track 239 generally positioned within handle 233.Referring to FIG. 2, a first segment 115 and second segment 120 of cable117 may be fed into the cable tightening mechanism 110 and wound aroundthe spindle 237. Spindle 237 may be rotatably mounted to a surface ofthe covering 105 so that turning the spindle 237 in a first directionmay wind more of the first segment 115 and second segment 120 of thecable around the spindle 237, thereby decreasing the effective length ofthe cable 117. In some embodiments, turning the spindle 237 in a seconddirection may unwind the first segment 115 and second segment 120,thereby increasing the effective length of the cable 117. In someembodiments, the first direction will be clockwise, and the seconddirection will be counter-clockwise. In other embodiments, the firstdirection will be counter-clockwise, and the second direction will beclockwise. Top 235 may be used to prevent damage to spindle 237 and toretain spindle 237 and cable 117 in position.

In some embodiments, spindle 237 may be attached to handle 233. Handle233 may be used to turn spindle 237 in the first direction, thedirection that will wind cable 117. Handle 233 may ride on track 239 tomaintain smooth movement of handle 233. When handle 233 is turned,spindle 237 may also be turned in the same direction to wind cable 117.Spindle 237 may be ratcheted so that handle 233 may only turn spindle237 in one direction. Further, the ratcheting of spindle 237 may lockspindle 237 in position so that the desired length of cable 117 may bemaintained. As will be discussed in further detail in FIG. 7, pullingout cable tightening mechanism 110 may release the locking of spindle237. In some embodiments, spindle 237 may be spring-loaded so that whenthe cable tightening mechanism 110 is pulled away from covering 105 torelease the locking of spindle 237, spindle 237 will turn in the seconddirection, or the direction that unwinds cable 117.

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a covering 105 having a cable 117that is slidably engaged within tube guides located on a surface of thecovering 105. As discussed in FIGS. 1 and 2, a continuous loop of cable117 may be wrapped around the cable tightening mechanism 110. In someembodiments, the cable 117 may include a first segment 115, generallylocated on the lateral side 102 of the covering 105, and a secondsegment 120, generally located on the medial side 103 of the covering105.

Referring to FIG. 3, the first segment 115 of the cable 117 may beslidably engaged with a first tube guide 125 attached to the outersurface 121 of the lateral side 102 of the covering 105. In someembodiments, the first tube guide 125 may generally form an S-shape.However, in other embodiments, the first tube guide 125 may form anyshape so as to create the desired amount of tension around the wearer'sfoot and/or ankle region when adjusting the tightening mechanism 110.Both the first segment 115 and the first tube guide 125 may extend fromthe cable tightening mechanism 110 to the lateral side edge 170 adjacentto the top edge 174 of the covering 105.

As seen in FIG. 3, the first segment 115 may continue to extend in, andmay be slidably engaged with, the second tube guide 140 located on thefirst surface 160 of the first fastener 106. Both the first segment 115and the second tube guide 140 may extend along the first surface 160 ofthe first fastener 106 forming a U-shape. The first segment 115 maycontinue to extend beyond the second tube guide 140 and into the thirdtube guide 142 located along the lateral side edge 170 between the firstfastener 106 and the second fastener 111. The first segment 115 maycontinue to extend in, and may be slidably engaged with, the third tubeguide 142, forming a U-shape on the outer surface 121 of the covering105 along the lateral side edge 170. The first segment 115 may continueto extend beyond the third tube guide 142 and into the fourth tube guide144 located on the first surface 162 of the second fastener 111. Thefirst segment 115 may continue to extend in, and may be slidably engagedwith, the fourth tube guide 144 forming a U-shape on the first surface162 of the second fastener 111. The first segment 115 may continue toextend beyond the fourth tube guide 144 and into the fifth tube guide146 located on the bottom portion 178 of the covering 105. The firstsegment 115 may continue to extend in, and be slidably engaged with, thefifth tube guide 146. Both the first segment 115 and the fifth tubeguide 146 may extend from the fourth tube guide 144 adjacent to thelateral side edge 170 down along the outer surface 154 of the bottomstrap 150.

As the cable 117 extends through the fifth tube guide 146 along theouter surface 154 of the bottom strap 150, the cable 117 leaves thelateral side 102 and reaches the medial side 103 of the covering 105. Atthat point, the first segment 115 becomes the second segment 120 of thecable 117. Both the second segment 120 and the fifth tube guide 146continues up the medial side 103 of the outer surface 154 of the bottomstrap 150 towards the tightening mechanism 110. The second segment 120of the cable then extends beyond the fifth tube guide 146 and may beassociated with the cable tightening mechanism 110.

In some embodiments, the covering 105 may include provisions for abottom strap 150 to secure around the sole 137 of the article offootwear 130. In some embodiments, the bottom strap 150 may include amedial bottom strap and a lateral bottom strap that may be attached toone another once the article of footwear 130 is inserted in the opening156. However, in other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, a continuousbottom strap 150 may form an opening 156 for inserting at least aportion of the article of footwear 130. The bottom strap 150 may includea fifth tube guide 146 formed on the outer surface 154, and may have aninner surface 152 for contacting the outer surface of the article offootwear 130.

FIGS. 4-7 show one embodiment of how an article of footwear 130 may beinserted into the covering 105 and how the covering 105 may be tightenedand loosened using the cable tightening mechanism 110. FIG. 4 shows alateral side 102 view of the ankle support system 100 with the covering105 in an open condition as in FIG. 3. The wearer's foot 184 has beeninserted into the collar 139 of the article of footwear 130, and isready to receive the covering 105. The forefoot region 132 of thearticle of footwear 130 may then be moved in a first direction 188through the opening 156 in the covering 105.

Although FIG. 4 shows the article of footwear 130 approaching thecovering 105 through an opening formed between the lateral side edge 170and the medial side edge 172 of the covering 105 in the back of thecovering 105, other embodiments may include inserting the article offootwear 130 through an opening formed in the front of the covering 105.In other embodiments, the article of footwear 130 may be inserted intothe covering 105 through an opening on either the lateral 102 or medialside 103 of the covering 105.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the covering 105 in a closed condition once thecovering 105 has been positioned over a portion of the article offootwear 130. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the lateral side edge 170 of thecovering 105 may be brought into close proximity with the medial sideedge 172 of the covering 105. The first fastener 106 and second fastener111, which may be hingedly attached to the lateral side 102 of thecovering 105, may then be secured to the medial side 103 of the covering105 by any of the methods discussed in FIGS. 1 and 3.

FIG. 6 shows a hand 190 turning the cable tightening mechanism 110 in aclockwise direction 192. Turning the cable tightening mechanism 110 mayreduce the effective length of the cable 117 by winding the cable 117around the cable tightening mechanism 110 as described above. When theslack is removed from cable 117, cable 117 may pull on the covering 105since the cable 117 is slidably engaged with the covering 105. Thispulling motion may cinch the covering 105 around the foot 184 of thewearer. In other embodiments, hand 190 may turn the cable tighteningmechanism 110 in a counterclockwise direction in order to achieve thesame effects as that described in FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 shows how cable 117 may be loosened. Hand 190 pulls on the cabletightening mechanism 110 in an outwardly direction 194 away from thecovering 105. Pulling the cable tightening mechanism 110 in an outwardlydirection 194 may cause the cable 117 to unwind. The effective length ofthe cable 117 may be lengthened and slack returns to the cable 117. Thisslack may allow the covering 105 to move away from the wearer's foot184. Once the cable 117 has been loosened in this fashion, the covering105 may be removed from the article of footwear 130.

FIGS. 8-9 show a covering 805 in accordance with another embodiment ofan ankle support system 800. FIG. 8 shows a lateral side 802 view of thecovering 805, while FIG. 9 shows a medial side 803 view of the covering805. Unlike the covering 105 discussed in FIGS. 1-7, where the cable 117forms a closed loop that is slidably engaged with the covering 105, theends of the cable 817 shown in FIGS. 8-9 may be secured to a surface orportion of the covering 805. Securing the ends of the cable 817 to aportion of the covering 805 allows the length of cable 817 to beshortened since the cable 817 may not extend into the first fastener 806and second fastener 811 portions of the covering 805.

The covering 805 shown in FIGS. 8-9 may be made from the same materials,and may have a similar construction, as the materials and processesdiscussed for covering 105.

In some embodiments of an ankle support system 800, provisions may beprovided for a covering 805 having different regions or zones offlexibility and/or rigidity. In some embodiments, the covering 805 mayinclude one or more layers of material having different propertiesrelating to rigidity and/or flexibility. In some embodiments, rigidmaterial may be included in regions where additional support is desired.For example, some embodiments may include material made from carbonfibers and/or glass fibers in areas where more rigidity is desired. Inother embodiments, rigid material may be excluded or minimized in areasor zones where more flexibility is desired. For example, someembodiments may include layers where rigid material has been cut out orremoved from the regions or zones where a higher degree of flexibilityis desired. In other embodiments, the thickness of the rigid materialmay be reduced in areas where more flexibility is desired.

In some embodiments of an ankle support system 800, ventilation may beprovided throughout different areas, or zones, of the covering 805, inorder to remove humidity trapped near the foot. In some embodiments,ventilation may be provided by holes, channels and/or cut out portionsin one or more layers of the covering 805. In some embodiments, theholes, channels, or cut out portions that provide ventilation may alsoprovide regions or zones of flexibility. However, in other embodiments,the regions providing ventilation may be separate from the regions thatprovide increased flexibility.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the covering 805 mayinclude a first cut out region 826 and a second cut out region 827. Insome embodiments, the first cut out region 826 and/or second cut outregion 827 may provide for ventilation allowing humidity trapped nearthe foot to escape. In some embodiments, the first cut out region 826and/or second cut out region 827 may provide for a zone or region ofincreased flexibility. In some embodiments, the first cut out region 826and/or second cut out region 827 may provide for ventilation in additionto a region of increased flexibility. Although the first cut out region826 and second cut out region 827 are generally elongated in shape, thefirst cut out region 826 and second cut out region 827 may be any shape.For example, the first cut out region 826 and second cut out region 827may generally be, but not limited to, circular, square, rectangular, orany other geometric shape. Although FIGS. 8-9 show a first cut outregion 826 and second cut out region 827, other embodiments may includemore or less cut out regions. Although the ankle support system 800shown in FIGS. 8-9 includes two cut out regions, some embodiments mayinclude more or less cut out regions.

In some embodiments of an ankle support system 800 provisions may beincluded for securing the covering 805 around a portion of an article offootwear. For example, some embodiments may include provisions forpreventing the covering 805 from shifting or moving during athleticactivity. In some embodiments, the covering 805 may include one or morecomponents that hold the covering 805 securely in place in a variety ofdifferent manners. In some embodiments, fasteners or straps may be usedto securely position the covering 805. In some embodiments, clasps,buttons, snaps, buckles, hooks, adhesives, or other structure known inthe art may be used to securely the position the covering 805 in place.In some embodiments, fastener portions may be held in place by hook andloop fasteners (such as Velcro) located on a surface of the fastenerportion, as well as surfaces that receive the fastener portions.

FIG. 8 shows a first fastener 806 for securing the covering 805 inplace. Referring to FIG. 8, the first fastener 806 may be located on thelateral side 802 of the covering 805, and may be adjacent to the lateralside edge 870 of the covering 805. The first fastener 806 may include afirst end 807 that is distal to the lateral side edge 870 and a secondend 808 that is proximate to the lateral side edge 870. In someembodiments, the second end 808 is hingedly attached to the lateral sideedge 870 by any manner known in the art. For example, the second end 808may be sewn, affixed, adhered, snapped, buckled and/or fastened to thelateral side edge 870. The first fastener 806 may include a firstsurface 860 and a second surface 861. In some embodiments, the secondsurface 861 may include hook and loop fasteners (such as Velcro). Inother embodiments, the first surface 860 may include hook and loopfasteners (such as Velcro).

Referring to FIG. 9, some embodiments may include a first fastenerreceiving portion 880 that may be adapted to receive the second surface861 or first surface 860 of the first fastener 806. In some embodiments,a first fastener receiving portion 880 may be located on the medial side803 of the covering 805, and may be adjacent to the medial side edge 872of the covering 805. In some embodiments, the second surface 861 of thefirst fastener 806 and the first fastener receiving portion 880 mayinclude hook and loop fasteners (such as Velcro). However, firstfastener receiving portion 880 may be adapted to receive the secondsurface 861 of the first fastener 806 in any manner known in the art.

In addition to the first fastener 806, the covering may also include asecond fastener 811. Referring to FIG. 8, some embodiments may include asecond fastener 811 located on the lateral side 802 of the covering 805,and may be adjacent to the lateral side edge 870 of the covering 805.The second fastener 811 may include a first end 812 that is distal tothe lateral side edge 870 and a second end 813 that is proximate to thelateral side edge 870. In some embodiments, the second end 813 ishingedly attached to the lateral side edge 870 by any manner known inthe art. For example, the second end 813 may be sewn, affixed, adhered,snapped, buckled and/or fastened to the lateral side edge 870. Thesecond fastener 811 may include a first surface 862 and a second surface863. In some embodiments, the second surface 863 may include hook andloop fasteners (such as Velcro). In other embodiments, the first surface862 may include hook and loop fasteners (such as Velcro).

In some embodiments, a second fastener receiving portion 882 may beadapted to receive the second surface 863 or first surface 862 of thesecond fastener 811. Referring to FIG. 9, a second fastener receivingportion 882 may be located on the medial side 803 of the covering 805,and may be adjacent to the medial side edge 872 of the covering 805. Insome embodiments, the second fastener receiving portion 882 may includehook and loop fasteners (such as Velcro). However, second fastenerreceiving portion 882 may be adapted to receive the second surface 863of the second fastener 811 in any manner known in the art. AlthoughFIGS. 8 and 9 describe a covering 805 having two fasteners and twofastener receiving portions, other embodiments may include more or lessfasteners and/or fastener receiving portions.

Some embodiments of an ankle support system 800 may include provisionsfor adjusting the tightness of the covering 805 once the covering 805has been arranged into a closed condition around the article offootwear. In some embodiments, a cable 817 may be slidably engaged withthe covering 805 and may be tightened using a tightening mechanism 810in order to adjust the desired tension. The cable 817 may be made of anymaterial known in the art, such as metals, textiles, fiber components,or the like. The cable 817 may have any size or shape known in the art,for example, a single filament, separate filaments bound or braidedtogether, or may include a flat ribbon of material.

The cable tightening mechanism 810 in some embodiments may vary. In someembodiments, the cable tightening mechanism 810 shown in FIG. 8 may havesimilar properties and characteristics as the cable tightening mechanism110 described in FIGS. 1-7. However, as will be discussed in FIGS.21-23, the cable tightening mechanism 810 may also include a removablecam lever system. In some embodiments, the cable tightening mechanism810 may be associated with the cable 817 in the same manner as the cabletightening mechanism 110 associates with cable 117 in FIGS. 1-7.

Unlike the cable 117 described in FIGS. 1-7, the cable 817 described inFIGS. 8-9 may not form a continuous loop. Instead, a first free end 822and a second free end 818 of the cable 817 may be attached to anysurface of the covering 805. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8,the first free end 822 of cable 817 may be attached to an outer surface821 on the lateral side 802 of covering 805. The portion of the cable817 extending between the first free end 822 and the cable tighteningmechanism 810 may form a first cable segment 823. The first cablesegment 823 may extend in, and be slidably engaged with, a first tubeguide 824 attached to the outer surface 821 of the covering 805. Boththe first cable segment 823 and the first tube guide 824 may extend fromthe top edge 874 of the covering 805 near the lateral side edge 870 downto the cable tightening mechanism, forming an S-shape on the lateralside 802 of the covering 805. Although first cable segment 823 and firsttube guide 824 forms an S-shape, the first cable segment 823 and firsttube guide 824 may form any pattern on the covering 805 so that asufficient amount of support is provided to the wearer's ankle and foot.

The cable 817 may continue to extend beyond the first tube guide 824,and may be associated with the cable tightening mechanism 810. In someembodiments, a portion of the cable 817 may be wound around the cabletightening mechanism 810 and continue to extend along the medial side803 of the covering 805, as shown in FIG. 9. Referring to FIG. 9 theportion of the cable 817 extending from the cable tightening mechanism810 along the medial side 803 of the covering 805 may form a secondcable segment 814. The second cable segment 814 may extend in, and beslidably engaged with, a second tube guide 825. Both the second cablesegment 814 and second tube guide 825 may extend from the cabletightening mechanism 810 along the medial bottom portion 852 of bottomstrap 850, continuing up along the lateral portion 853 of bottom strap850 to the second free end 818 adjacent to the lateral side edge 870 andthe second fastener 811, as shown in FIG. 8. In some embodiments, thesecond free end 818 of the cable 817 may be attached to the outersurface 821 of the covering 805.

The ankle support system 800 operates similar to the ankle supportsystem 100 discussed in FIGS. 1-7. For example, in some embodiments, theankle support system 800 may include an article of footwear (not shownin FIGS. 8-9). In one embodiment, the forefoot of the article offootwear may be positioned through the back opening 857, until theforefoot portion is extending through the front opening 856 in thecovering 805. Other aspects relating to donning and doffing the covering805, are similar to donning and doffing the covering 805 discussed inFIGS. 1-7. Similarly, the methods of tightening and loosening the cablesin the ankle support system 800 are similar those discussed in the anklesupport system 100 discussed in FIGS. 1-7.

FIGS. 10-11 show a covering 1005 in accordance with another embodimentof an ankle support system 1000. FIG. 10 shows a medial side 1003 viewof the covering 1005, while FIG. 11 shows a lateral side 1002 view ofthe covering 1005. Unlike the cable 817 having free ends which aresecured to the covering 805 as discussed in FIGS. 8-9, the cable 1017 inFIGS. 10-11 may form a closed loop that is slidably engaged with thecovering 1005. In addition, unlike the covering 805 in FIGS. 8-9 havinga first fastener 806 and a second fastener 811, the covering 1005 inFIGS. 10-11 has a first exposed cable loop 1006 and second exposed cableloop 1011. Unlike the covering 805 having a bottom strap 850 extendingaround the sole of the article of footwear in FIGS. 8-9, the covering1005 in FIGS. 10-11 has a third exposed cable loop 1015. The exposedcable loops may be secured around loop receiving members located on thesurface of the covering 1005, instead of the Velcro fasteners discussedin FIGS. 8-9. Other differences and similarities between the embodimentsin FIGS. 10-11 and other embodiments disclosed herein are discussedbelow.

The covering 1005 shown in FIGS. 10-11 may be made from the samematerials, and may have a similar construction, as the materials andprocesses discussed for covering 105.

In some embodiments, the covering 1005 includes a first cut out region1026 and a second cut out region 1027. The first cut out region 1026 andsecond cut out region 1027 are similar to the first cut out region 126and second cut out region 127 discussed in FIGS. 1-7. In someembodiments, as shown in FIG. 10, the ankle support system 1005 may alsoinclude a third cut out region 1030 on the medial side 1003 of thecovering 1005. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 11, a fourth cutout region 1032 may be located on the lateral side 1002 of the covering1005. The third cut out region 1030 and fourth cut out region 1032 aresimilar in nature and purpose as the first cut out region 126 and secondcut out region 127. Although the third cut out region 1030 and fourthcut out region 1032 are generally triangular in shape, the third cut outregion 1030 and fourth cut out region 1032 may be any shape. Forexample, the third cut out region 1030 and fourth cut out region 1032may generally be, but not limited to, circular, square, rectangular, orany other geometric shape. Although the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10-11includes a total of four cut out regions, other embodiments may includemore or less cut out regions.

In some embodiments of an ankle support system 1000, provisions may beincluded for securing the covering 1005 around a portion of an articleof footwear. For example, some embodiments may include provisions forpreventing the covering 1005 from shifting or moving during athleticactivity. In some embodiments, the covering 1005 may include one or morecomponents that hold the covering 1005 securely in place in a variety ofdifferent manners. In some embodiments, fasteners or straps may be usedto securely position the covering 1005. In some embodiments, clasps,buttons, snaps, buckles, hooks, adhesives, or other structure known inthe art may be used to securely the position the covering 1005 in place.In some embodiments, fastener portions may be held in place by hook andloop fasteners (such as Velcro) located on a surface of the fastenerportion, as well as surfaces that receive the fastener portions. In someembodiments, exposed loops of cable may be fastened around loopreceiving portions mounted on the surface of the covering 1005.

FIG. 10 shows one embodiment of a closed loop of cable 1016 that isslidably engaged with a covering 1005. In some embodiments, portions ofthe cable 1016 may form one or more exposed cable loops that may extendfrom the covering 1005. In some embodiments, a first exposed cable loop1006 may extend from between the cable tightening mechanism 1010 and thefirst tube guide 1025. Referring to FIG. 10, the first exposed cableloop 1006 may be located on the medial side 1003 of the covering 1005,and may be adjacent to the medial side edge 1072 of the covering 1005.The cable 1016 may extend beyond the first exposed cable loop 1006 andinto a first tube guide 1025 forming a first cable segment 1017. Thefirst cable segment 1017 may extend in, and be slidably engaged with,the first tube guide 1025. Both the first cable segment 1017 and thefirst tube guide 1025 may extend from the first exposed cable loop 1006down to the medial bottom strap 1052.

In some embodiments, a second exposed cable loop 1011 may extend frombetween the cable tightening mechanism 1010 and the second tube guide1040. Referring to FIG. 10, the second exposed cable loop 1011 may belocated on the medial side 1003 of the covering 1005, and may beadjacent to the medial side edge 1072 of the covering 1005. The cable1016 may extend beyond the second exposed cable loop 1011 and into asecond tube guide 1040. The portion of the cable 1016 extending in thesecond tube guide 1040 may form a second cable segment 1018. The secondcable segment 1018 may extend in, and be slidably engaged with, thesecond tube guide 1040. Both the second cable segment 1018 and thesecond tube guide 1040 may extend from the second exposed cable loop1011 along the back edge 1057 and down to the medial bottom strap 1052.

In some embodiments, a third exposed cable loop 1015 may extend from themedial bottom strap 1052. The third exposed cable loop 1015 may extendbetween the first tube guide 1025 and the second tube guide 1040.Although FIGS. 10-11 disclose a covering 1005 having three exposed cableloops, other embodiments may have more or less exposed cable loops.

Referring to FIG. 11, some embodiments may include a first loopreceiving member 1080 that may be adapted to receive the first exposedcable loop 1006. In some embodiments, a loop receiving member 1080 maybe located on the lateral side 1002 of the covering 1005, and may beadjacent to the lateral side edge 1070 and the top edge 1074 of thecovering 1005.

In some embodiments, a second loop receiving member 1082 may be adaptedto receive the second exposed cable loop 1011. Referring to FIG. 11, asecond loop receiving member 1082 may be located on the lateral side1002 of the covering 1005, and may be adjacent to the lateral side edge1070 and the back edge 1057 of the covering 1005.

In some embodiments, a third loop receiving member 1084 may be adaptedto receive the third exposed cable loop 1015. A third loop receivingmember 1084 may be located on the lateral side 1002 of the covering1005, and may be located on the lateral bottom strap 1050. The firstloop receiving member 1080, second loop receiving member 1082 and thirdloop receiving member 1084 will be discussed in more detail in FIGS.12-13.

Some embodiments of an ankle support system 1000 may include provisionsfor adjusting the tightness of the covering 1005 once the covering 1005has been arranged into a closed condition around the article offootwear. In some embodiments, a cable 1016 may be slidably engaged withthe covering 1005 and may be tightened using a tightening mechanism 1010in order to adjust the desired tension. The cable 1016 may be made ofany material known in the art, such as metals, textiles, fibercomponents, or the like. The cable 1016 may have any size or shape knownin the art, for example, a single filament, separate filaments bound orbraided together, or may include a flat ribbon of material.

The cable tightening mechanism 1010 in some embodiments may vary. Insome embodiments, the cable tightening mechanism 1010 shown in FIG. 10may have similar properties and characteristics as the cable tighteningmechanism 110 described in FIGS. 1-7. However, as will be discussed inFIGS. 21-23, the cable tightening mechanism 1010 may also include aremovable cam lever system. In some embodiments, the cable tighteningmechanism 1010 may be associated with the cable 1016 in the same manneras the cable tightening mechanism 110 associates with cable 117 in FIGS.1-7.

The ankle support system 1000 shown in FIGS. 10-11 operates similar tothe ankle support system 100 discussed in FIGS. 1-7. For example, insome embodiments, the ankle support system 1000 may include an articleof footwear (not shown in FIGS. 10-11). In one embodiment, the forefootof the article of footwear may be positioned through the back edge 1057,until the forefoot portion is extending through the front opening 1056in the covering 1005. Other aspects relating to donning and doffing thecovering 1005, are similar to donning and doffing the covering 105discussed in FIGS. 1-7. Similarly, the methods of tightening andloosening the cables in the ankle support system 1000 are similar tothose discussed in the ankle support system 100 discussed in FIGS. 1-7.

Some embodiments of an ankle support system may include provisions forfastening or securing a covering around an article of footwear. Someembodiments, as discussed in FIGS. 10-11, may include exposed portionsof cable that form loops which may then be positioned around a loopreceiving member that is attached to the covering and/or an article offootwear.

FIGS. 12-13 shows one embodiment of a first loop receiving member 1080,as discussed in FIG. 11. Although FIGS. 12-13 are directed towards afirst loop receiving member 1080, any loop receiving member discussedherein may have a similar structure to the embodiment shown in FIGS.12-13. For example, second loop receiving member 1082 and third loopreceiving member 1084 may have similar structures and properties as theembodiment discussed in FIGS. 12-13.

Some embodiments of a loop receiving member may include a structureextending outwardly from an outer surface of a covering and/or anarticle of footwear. In some embodiments, the diameter of the distal endof the loop receiving member may be larger than the diameter of otherportions of the loop receiving member. A loop receiving member having alarger diameter at the distal end assists in retaining the cable aroundthe loop receiving member. Additionally, the proximate end of the loopreceiving member may also have a larger diameter than other portions ofthe loop receiving member. A loop receiving member having a largerdiameter at the proximal end raises the cable away from the outersurface of the covering and/or article of footwear and helps to reducewear caused by friction between the cable and the covering and/orarticle of footwear.

In some embodiments, the structure of a loop receiving member may vary.In some embodiments, the structure of a loop receiving member may be anystructure that sufficiently retains the cable around the loop receivingmember during moderate and/or strenuous activities. In some embodiments,the loop receiving member may be hingedly attached to the surface of thecovering and/or article of footwear. In other embodiments, the loopreceiving member may be rigidly attached to the surface of the coveringand/or article of footwear. In still further embodiments, the loopreceiving member may be releasably attached to the surface of thecovering and/or article of footwear. The shape of the loop receivingmember in some embodiments may vary. In some embodiments, the loopreceiving member may be circular, triangular, rectangular, square, oval,or any other geometric shape. In some embodiments, the loop receivingmember may include a bracket, ring, or a D-ring.

Referring to FIG. 12, some embodiments may include a first loopreceiving member 1080 positioned near a lateral side edge 1070 of thecovering 1005. In some embodiments, the first loop receiving member 1080may extend outwardly from the outer surface 1021 of the covering 1005.The top surface 1205 of the first loop receiving member 1080 may besubstantially parallel to the outer surface 1021 of the covering 1005.However, in other embodiments, the top surface 1205 of the first loopreceiving member 1080 may form some angle with the outer surface 1021 ofthe covering 1005.

In an exemplary embodiment, the top surface 1205 of the loop receivingmember 1080 may be associated with a generally rounded rectangularshape. As shown in this embodiment, the top surface 1205 of the firstloop receiving member 1080 may include a first curved portion on one endthat extends from lateral side edge 1070 in an approximatelyperpendicular direction towards outer surface 1021 of the covering 1005.The top surface 1205 may also include a second curved portion on anopposite end that extends from outer surface 1021 in an approximatelyperpendicular direction towards lateral side edge 1070. The generallyrounded rectangular shape may further be defined by an elongated centralportion extending along the top surface 1205 facing towards outersurface 1021 of the covering 1005 in a generally parallel direction withlateral side edge 1070 and extending between the first curved portionand the second curved portion. In other embodiments, the top surface1205 of the loop receiving member 1080 may be circular, triangular,rectangular, square, oval, or any other geometric shape. In variousembodiments, one or more of the loop receiving members disposed on thecovering and/or article of footwear may have a similar or differentshape.

FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the first loop receiving member1080 shown in FIG. 12. In some embodiments, the first loop receivingmember 1080 may include an inner side surface 1215 forming an innercavity 1210. In some embodiments, the distal end 1240 of the first loopreceiving member 1080 may have a diameter that is larger than otherportions of the first loop receiving member 1080. As can be seen in FIG.13, the mid portion 1220 of the first loop receiving member 1080 has adiameter a. The distal end 1240 of the first loop receiving member 1080includes an outlaying portion 1225 that extends a distance y beyonddiameter a of mid portion 1220. Outlaying portion 1225 also includes aside surface 1230 having a thickness x. The outlaying portion 1225 mayassist in maintaining a cable loop within the mid portion 1220 of thefirst loop receiving member 1080 while the ankle support system 1000 isbeing worn.

In some embodiments, the proximal end 1235 of the first loop receivingmember 1080 may have a diameter that is larger than other portions ofthe first loop receiving member 1080. As can be seen in FIG. 13, theproximate end 1235 of the loop receiving member 1080 has a diameter b,which is larger than diameter a of the mid portion 1220. The largerdiameter at the proximate end 1235 may assist in lifting the cable loopaway from the outer surface 1021 of the covering 1005 in order tominimize frictional wearing. In some embodiments, diameter b is equal todiameter a plus distance y. However, in other embodiments, diameter b isless than diameter a plus distance y. In still further embodiments,diameter b is greater than diameter a plus distance y.

FIGS. 14-18 show another embodiment of an ankle support system 1500. Inthe embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 14-18, the cable 1516 may form aclosed loop that is slidably engaged with the covering 1505. Inaddition, the covering 1505 may have a first exposed cable loop 1523, asecond exposed cable loop 1506, a third exposed cable loop 1515, and afourth exposed cable loop 1511. The exposed cable loops may be securedaround loop receiving members located on a surface of the covering 1505and/or the article of footwear 1534, as well as one or more footwearloop anchors located on a surface of the upper of the article offootwear 1534. Other differences and similarities between theembodiments in FIGS. 14-18 and other embodiments disclosed herein arediscussed below.

The covering 1505 shown in FIGS. 14-18 may be made from the samematerials, and may have a similar construction, as the materials andprocesses discussed for covering 105 in FIGS. 1-7.

In some embodiments, the covering 1505 may include one or more cut outregions. For example, the covering 1505 may include a first cut outregion 1526, a second cut out region 1527, a third cut out region 1528,a fourth cut out region 1529, a fifth cut out region 1530 and a sixthcut out region 1531. The first cut out region 1526, second cut outregion 1527, third cut out region 1528, fourth cut out region 1529,fifth cut out region 1530 and sixth cut out region 1531 are similar innature and purpose to the first cut out region 126 and second cut outregion 127 discussed in FIGS. 1-7. In some embodiments, other cut outregions may be included on the outer surface 1521 of the covering 1505.Although the first cut out region 1526, second cut out region 1527,third cut out region 1528, fourth cut out region 1529, fifth cut outregion 1530 and sixth cut out region 1531 are generally oval in shape,cut out regions may form any shape. For example, the first cut outregion 1526, second cut out region 1527, third cut out region 1528,fourth cut out region 1529, fifth cut out region 1530 and sixth cut outregion 1531 may generally be, but not limited to, circular, square,rectangular, or any other geometric shape. Although the embodiment inFIGS. 14-18 includes a total of six cut out regions, other embodimentsmay include more or less than six cut out regions.

In some embodiments of an ankle support system 1500, provisions may beincluded for securing the covering 1505 around a portion of an articleof footwear 1534. For example, some embodiments may include provisionsfor preventing the covering 1505 from shifting or moving during athleticactivity. In some embodiments, the covering 1505 may include one or morecomponents that hold the covering 1505 securely in place in a variety ofdifferent manners. In some embodiments, fasteners or straps may be usedto securely position the covering 1505. In some embodiments, clasps,buttons, snaps, buckles, hooks, adhesives, or other structure known inthe art may be used to securely the position the covering 1505 in place.In some embodiments, fastener portions may be held in place by hook andloop fasteners (such as Velcro) located on a surface of the fastenerportion, as well as surfaces that receive the fastener portions. In someembodiments, exposed loops of cable may be fastened around loopreceiving members mounted on the surface of the covering 1505 and/orathletic footwear 1534.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14-18, a closed loop of cable 1516 maybe slidably engaged with covering 1505. In some embodiments, a firstcable segment 1517 may be slidably engaged with a first tube guide 1525attached to the outer surface 1521 of the covering 1505. As shown inFIG. 14, both the first cable segment 1517 and first tube guide 1525extend between the cable tightening mechanism 1510 and the lateralbottom strap 1550 located at the bottom portion 1578 of the covering1505. A second cable segment 1522 may be slidably engaged with a secondtube guide 1546 attached to the outer surface 1521 of the covering 1525.Both the second cable segment 1522 and the second tube guide 1546 mayextend from the lateral bottom strap 1550 to the lateral side edge 1570in the bottom portion 1578 of the covering 1505. In some embodiments, afirst exposed loop portion 1523 may extend from the lateral bottom strap1550 between the first cable segment 1517 and the second cable segment1522.

In some embodiments, a third cable segment 1519 may be slidably engagedwith a third tube guide 1542 attached to the outer surface 1521 of thecovering 1505. Both the third cable segment 1519 and the third tubeguide 1542 may extend from the lateral side edge 1570 of the covering1505, across the lateral side 1502, continuing above the cabletightening mechanism 1510 to the medial side 1503, and extending to themedial side edge 1572 adjacent the top edge 1574 of the covering 1505 asseen in FIG. 15. In some embodiments, a second exposed loop portion 1506may extend from the lateral side edge 1570 between the second cablesegment 1522 and the third cable segment 1519.

Referring to FIG. 15, some embodiments may include a fourth cablesegment 1520 that may be slidably engaged with a fourth tube guide 1543attached to the outer surface 1521 of the covering 1505. Both the fourthcable segment 1520 and the fourth tube guide 1543 may extend from thelateral side edge 1570 down to the medial bottom strap 1552. In someembodiments, a third exposed loop portion 1515 may extend from themedial side edge 1572 between the third cable segment 1519 and thefourth cable segment 1520.

In some embodiments, a fifth cable segment 1518 may be slidably engagedwith a fifth tube guide 1540 attached to the outer surface 1521 of thecovering 1505. Both the fifth cable segment 1518 and the fifth tubeguide 1540 may extend from the medial bottom strap 1552 to the cabletightening mechanism 1510. In some embodiments, a fourth exposed loopportion 1511 may extend from the medial bottom strap 1552 between thefourth cable segment 1520 and the fifth cable segment 1518.

As can be seen in FIG. 15, some embodiments may include a back strap1560. In some embodiments, the back strap 1560 may extend along themedial side edge 1572 of the covering 1505. In some embodiments, theback strap 1560 may be tucked between the wearer's leg and/or ankle andthe lateral side 1502 of the covering 1505 when the covering 1505 isbeing placed around the article of footwear 1534. The back strap 1560may provide a contact surface for the second exposed loop portion 1506and third exposed loop portion 1515 when the covering 1505 is beingworn. In other embodiments the back strap 1560 may extend from thelateral side edge 1570, and may be tucked between the wearer's legand/or ankle and the medial side 1503 of the covering 1505.

Some embodiments may include one or more loop receiving members that areadapted to receive the exposed loop portions. For example, referring toFIG. 15, some embodiments may include a first loop receiving member 1580that may be adapted to receive the second exposed cable loop 1506. Insome embodiments, the first loop receiving member 1580 may be associatedwith the medial side edge 1572 on the bottom portion 1578 of thecovering 1505. The first loop receiving member 1580 may be attached tothe outer surface 1521 of the covering 1505 by any manner known in theart. In some embodiments, the first loop receiving member 1580 may besimilar in nature and purpose as discussed in the embodiments associatedwith FIGS. 12-13.

Referring to FIG. 14, some embodiments may include a second loopreceiving member 1584 that may be adapted to receive the third exposedcable loop 1515. In some embodiments, the second loop receiving member1584 may be located adjacent to the lateral side edge 1570 and the topedge 1574 on the top portion 1576 of the covering 1505. The second loopreceiving member 1584 may be attached to the outer surface 1521 of thecovering 1505 by any means known in the art. In some embodiments, thesecond loop receiving member 1584 may be similar in nature and purposeas discussed in the embodiments associated with FIGS. 12-13.

FIG. 18 is a rear view of the ankle support system 1500 once thecovering 1505 has been placed over the article of footwear 1534. As canbe seen in FIG. 18, the second exposed cable loop 1506 has beenpositioned around the first loop receiving member 1580. In addition, thethird exposed cable loop 1515 has been positioned around the second loopreceiving member 1584. The back strap 1560 may provide a contact surfacefor the second exposed cable loop 1506 and third exposed cable loop 1515in the event that the medial side edge 1572 is not flush with thelateral side edge 1570 of the covering 1570.

FIG. 16 shows a lateral side view of the ankle support system 1500. Anexemplary embodiment may include one or more footwear loop anchorslocated on a surface of the upper of the article of footwear that may beadapted to receive the exposed cable loops associated with the covering1505 to secure the covering 1505 to the article of footwear 1534. In anexemplary embodiment, footwear loop anchors include a structureextending outwardly from an outer surface of an upper of an article offootwear. The footwear loop anchors may be attached to the outer surfaceof the upper of the article of footwear 1534 by any means known in theart. In some embodiments, the diameter of the distal end of the footwearloop anchor may be larger than the diameter of other portions of thefootwear loop anchor to assist in retaining the cable around thefootwear loop anchor. With this arrangement, the footwear loop anchormay be configured to secure covering 1505 to the article of footwear1534.

Referring to FIG. 16, in this embodiment, a first footwear loop anchor1586 may be adapted to receive the first exposed cable loop 1523. Insome embodiments, the first footwear loop anchor 1586 may be located onthe lateral side of the midfoot region 1536 of the upper of the articleof footwear 1534. The first footwear loop anchor 1586 may be attached tothe upper of the article of footwear 1534 by any means known in the art.Although FIG. 16 shows the first footwear loop anchor 1586 located inthe midfoot region 1536, other embodiments may have the first footwearloop anchor 1586 attached to the forefoot region 1535 or the heel region1537. In some embodiments, first footwear loop anchor 1586 may besimilar in nature and purpose as discussed with reference to the loopreceiving members in the embodiments associated with FIGS. 12-13. Inother embodiments, first footwear loop anchor 1586 may be similar innature and purpose as the embodiments discussed later in FIGS. 19-20.

FIG. 17 shows a medial side view of the ankle support system 1500.Referring to FIG. 17, some embodiments may include a second footwearloop anchor 1582 that may be adapted to receive the fourth exposed cableloop 1511. In some embodiments, the second footwear loop anchor 1582 maybe located on the medial side of the midfoot region 1536 of the upper ofthe article of footwear 1534. The second footwear loop anchor 1582 maybe attached to the upper of the article of footwear 1534 by any meansknown in the art. Although FIG. 17 shows the second footwear loop anchor1582 located in the midfoot region 1536, other embodiments may have thesecond footwear loop anchor 1582 attached to the forefoot region 1535 orthe heel region 1537. In some embodiments, second footwear loop anchor1582 may be similar in nature and purpose as discussed with reference tothe loop receiving members in the embodiments associated with FIGS.12-13. In other embodiments, second footwear loop anchor 1582 may besimilar in nature and purpose as the embodiments discussed later inFIGS. 19-20.

Some embodiments may include provisions for positioning the exposed loopportions around the loop receiving members and/or footwear loop anchors.For example, some embodiments may include pull-tabs attached to theexposed loop portions. Referring to FIGS. 14-15, pull-tabs may befixedly attached to each of the exposed loop portions. FIG. 14 shows afirst pull-tab 1591 attached to first exposed loop portion 1523, and asecond pull-tab 1590 attached to second exposed loop portion 1506. FIG.15 shows a third pull-tab 1592 attached to a third exposed loop portion1515, and a fourth pull-tab 1593 attached to a fourth exposed loopportion 1511. In some embodiments, pull-tabs may be manufactured fromany fabric or material known in the art. In some embodiments, eachpull-tab may be attached to each exposed loop portion by any methodknown in the art. In some embodiments, each pull-tab may include a loopthrough which the exposed loop portion may extend. In other embodiments,each pull-tab may be adhered or sewn onto each exposed loop portion.

Some embodiments of an ankle support system 1500 may include provisionsfor adjusting the tightness of the covering 1505 once the covering 1505has been arranged into a closed condition around the article offootwear. In some embodiments, the cable 1516 may be slidably engagedwith the covering 1505 and may be tightened using a tightening mechanism1510 in order to adjust the desired tension. The cable 1516 may be madeof any material known in the art, such as metals, textiles, fibercomponents, or the like. The cable 1516 may have any size or shape knownin the art, for example, a single filament, separate filaments bound orbraided together, or may include a flat ribbon of material.

The cable tightening mechanism 1510 in some embodiments may vary. Insome embodiments, the cable tightening mechanism 1510 shown in FIGS.14-18 may have similar properties and characteristics as the cabletightening mechanism 110 described in FIGS. 1-7. However, as will bediscussed in FIGS. 21-23, the cable tightening mechanism 1510 may alsoinclude a removable cam lever system. In some embodiments, the cabletightening mechanism 1510 may be associated with the cable 1516 in thesame manner as the cable tightening mechanism 110 associates with cable117 in FIGS. 1-7.

The ankle support system 1500 operates similar to the ankle supportsystem 100 discussed in FIGS. 1-7. For example, in some embodiments, theankle support system 1500 may include an article of footwear 1534 asshown in FIGS. 16-18. In one embodiment, the forefoot 1535 of thearticle of footwear 1534 may be positioned through the back edge 1557,until the forefoot portion 1535 is extending through the front opening1556 in the covering 1505. Other aspects relating to donning and doffingthe covering 1505, are similar to donning and doffing the covering 105discussed in FIGS. 1-7. Similarly, the methods of tightening andloosening the cables in the ankle support system 1500 may be similar tothose discussed in the ankle support system 100 discussed in FIGS. 1-7.

In some embodiments, an ankle support system may include footwear loopanchors attached to the upper of the article of footwear. Duringathletic activity, the footwear loop anchors attached to the upper ofthe article of footwear may experience a large magnitude of stress.Therefore, in some embodiments, the article of footwear may includeprovisions for withstanding large amounts of stress in order to preventthe footwear loop anchors from fracturing and/or breaking free from thearticle of footwear. For example, in some embodiments, a reinforcementstrap may connect the footwear loop anchors with the opposite side ofthe article of footwear.

FIGS. 19-20 shows one embodiment of footwear loop anchors mounted on anupper of an article of footwear. FIG. 19 shows a reinforcement strap1905 attached to the first footwear loop anchor 1586 discussed in FIGS.14-18. Although FIG. 19 relates to the first footwear loop anchor 1586,any footwear loop anchor and/or any loop receiving member discussed inany embodiment herein may have a similar construction and purpose.Referring to FIG. 19, a first reinforcement strap 1905 has a first end1910 attached to the base 1935 of the first footwear loop anchor 1586.In some embodiments, the first footwear loop anchor 1586 may have asimilar structure to the first loop receiving member 1080 discussed inFIGS. 12-13. For example, the first footwear loop anchor 1586 mayinclude an outlaying portion 1925 that is similar to the outlayingportion 1225 discussed in FIGS. 12-13. In addition, the first footwearloop anchor 1586 may have a top surface 1909 similar to the top surface1205 described in FIGS. 12-13. Other features described with referenceto the first loop receiving member 1080 in FIGS. 12-13 may also bepresent in the first footwear loop anchor 1586.

The first end 1910 of the first reinforcement strap 1905 may be attachedto the base 1935 of the first footwear loop anchor 1586 by any mannerknown in the art. In some embodiments, the first end 1910 may be tied,sewn, anchored, fastened, or adhered to the base 1935. In otherembodiments, the first end 1910 may be looped through an opening (notshown in FIG. 19) in the base 1935.

In some embodiments, the second end 1920 of the first reinforcementstrap 1905 may be attached to a medial inner surface 1945 of an articleof footwear. FIG. 20 shows one embodiment of an article of footwear 1534incorporating the first footwear loop anchor 1586 discussed in FIG. 19.FIG. 20 shows the first footwear loop anchor 1586 attached to thelateral side 1502 of the upper of the article of footwear 1534 discussedin FIGS. 14-18. FIG. 20 also shows a first reinforcement strap 1905attached to the first footwear loop anchor 1586. While the first end1910 of the first reinforcement strap 1905 is attached to the base 1935of the first footwear loop anchor 1586, the second end 1920 may beattached to a medial inner surface 1945 of the article of footwear 1534.The second end 1920 of the first reinforcement strap 1905 may beattached to the medial inner surface 1945 of the article of footwear1534 in any manner known in the art, including the methods disclosed forattaching the first end 1910 to the base 1935 of the footwear loopanchor 1586. In some embodiments, the first reinforcement strap 1905 mayextend laterally from the lateral side 1502 to the medial side 1503directly under the wearer's foot. In other embodiments, the firstreinforcement strap 1905 may extend across the article of footwear 1534through a channel (not shown in FIG. 20) in the sole 1965 of the articleof footwear 1534. In still further embodiments, the first reinforcementstrap 1905 may be embedded within the sole 1965 of the article offootwear 1534 with the sole 1965 molded around the first reinforcementstrap 1905.

FIG. 20 also shows the second footwear loop anchor 1582 attached to themedial side 1503 of the upper of the article of footwear 1534, asdiscussed in FIGS. 14-18. Additionally, FIG. 20 shows a secondreinforcement strap 1950 attached to the second footwear loop anchor1582. While the first end 1955 of the second reinforcement strap 1950 isattached to the base 1970 of the second footwear loop anchor 1582, thesecond end 1960 may be attached to a lateral inner surface 1940 of thearticle of footwear 1534. The second end 1960 of the secondreinforcement strap 1950 may be attached to the lateral inner surface1940 of the article of footwear 1534 in any manner known in the art,including the methods disclosed for attaching the first end 1955 to thebase 1935 of the second footwear loop anchor 1582. In some embodiments,the second reinforcement strap 1950 may extend generally laterally fromthe medial side 1503 to the lateral side 1502 directly under the foot.In other embodiments, the second reinforcement strap 1950 may extendacross the article of footwear 1534 through a channel (not shown in FIG.20) in the sole 1965 of the article of footwear 1534. In still furtherembodiments, the second reinforcement strap 1950 may be embedded withinthe sole 1965 of the article of footwear 1534 with the sole 1965 moldedaround the second reinforcement strap 1950.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 20, the second end 1920 of thefirst reinforcement strap 1905 may be attached to the medial innersurface 1945 at a point that is closer to the tip of the toe 1975 thanthe first end 1910 of first reinforcement strap 1905. Similarly, thesecond end 1960 of the second reinforcement strap 1950 may be attachedto the lateral inner surface 1940 at a point that is closer to the tipof the toe 1975 than the first end 1955 of the second reinforcementstrap 1950. This arrangement may cause the first reinforcement strap1905 to cross the second reinforcement strap 1950, forming an X patternas shown in FIG. 20.

In some embodiments, the location of the attachment point of the secondend 1920 of the first reinforcement strap 1905 may vary. For example,the second end 1920 of the first reinforcement strap 1905 may beattached to a medial inner surface 1945 anywhere along the forefootregion 1535, midfoot region 1536, or heel region 1537 of the article offootwear 1534.

In some embodiments, the location of the attachment point of the firstfootwear loop anchor 1586 may vary. For example, the first footwear loopanchor 1586 may be attached to an outer lateral surface 1980 of theupper anywhere along the forefoot region 1535, midfoot region 1536, orheel region 1537 of the article of footwear 1534.

In some embodiments, the location of the attachment point of the secondend 1960 of the second reinforcement strap 1950 may vary. For example,the second end 1960 of the second reinforcement strap 1950 may beattached to a lateral inner surface 1940 anywhere along the forefootregion 1535, midfoot region 1536, or heel region 1537 of the article offootwear 1534.

In some embodiments, the location of the attachment point of the secondfootwear loop anchor 1582 may vary. For example, the second footwearloop anchor 1582 may be attached to an outer medial surface 1985 of theupper anywhere along the forefoot region 1535, midfoot region 1536, orheel region 1537 of the article of footwear 1534.

In other embodiments, an ankle support system may include loop receivingmembers attached to the sole structure of the article of footwear. Insome cases, loop receiving members may be attached to the sole structureof the article of footwear in any manner known in the art. In othercases, one or more loop receiving members may be integrally formed withthe sole structure of the article of footwear. With this arrangement,loop receiving members may be further secured to the article offootwear.

In some embodiments, a locking mechanism may be used to lock a cable inposition to maintain the desired length. FIG. 2 shows an embodiment ofhow a spindle 237 may be locked in position by ratcheting the spindle237 so that the desired length of the cable may be maintained. In otherembodiments, the locking mechanism may be a mechanical lockingmechanism. Referring to FIGS. 21-23, the locking mechanism may be aremovable cam lever system 2110. The removable cam lever system 2110 maybe used on any of the embodiments discussed in FIGS. 1-20.

FIGS. 21-23 show an embodiment of an ankle support system 2100 includinga covering 2105 and article of footwear 2034. In some embodiments thecovering 2105 may have a removable cam lever system 2110 as the lockingmechanism. The removable cam lever system 2110 may be any type of a camlever known in the art. In some embodiments, removable cam lever system2110 may be associated with a mechanism to wind cable. Referring toFIGS. 22-23, in some embodiments, a cam lever 2181 may be attached to aspindle 2137 to wind cable. In some embodiments, spindle 2137 may berotated to wind cable and thereby tighten the covering 2105 about thearticle of footwear 2034. Spindle 2137 may also be rotated in anopposite direction to unwind the cable.

Spindle 2137 may be disposed anywhere on the surface of the covering2105. In some embodiments, the spindle 2137 may be disposed on the frontof the covering 2105. In other embodiments, the spindle 2137 may bedisposed on the lateral side of the covering 2105. The spindle 2137 maybe located in any location discussed in the embodiments shown in FIGS.1-20.

In some embodiments, cam lever 2181 may lock spindle 2137 in position sothat the desired length of cable may be maintained. In some embodiments,cam lever 2181 may lock spindle 2137 by applying friction to spindle2137. In some embodiments, cam lever 2181 may lock spindle 2137 bycausing spindle 2137 to be pressed against a friction causing surface. Afriction causing surface may be a stopper, such as stopper 2189. In oneembodiment shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, cam lever 2181 may cause spindle2137 to be pressed against stopper 2189. In some embodiments, the camlever 2181 may be removed once the spindle 2137 is locked.

FIGS. 22-23 show one embodiment of cam lever 2181 attached to spindle2137. The workings of this embodiment will now be explained. Other camlevers, using other leverage methods, may also be used.

Cam lever 2181 may have pin 2187 connected to spindle 2137. Pin 2187 andspindle 2137 may be configured to move along a common axis. The commonaxis may be any axis. In some embodiments, the common axis may be the Gaxis. FIG. 22 shows one embodiment where the common axis is the G axisthat is labeled G. Pin 2187 and spindle 2137 may be configured to movealong the G axis from a locked position 2183 (shown in solid lines inFIG. 22) to an unlocked position 2184 (shown in dotted lines in FIG.22). In the locked position 2183, spindle 2137 may be prevented fromrotating around the common axis and the desired length of cable may bemaintained. In the locked position 2183, the cam lever 2181 may beremoved in order to reduce the profile of the removable cam lever system2110. In the unlocked position 2184, spindle 2137 may rotate around thecommon axis to wind and unwind cable.

In some embodiments, cam lever 2181 may be connected to pin 2187. Camlever 2181 may rotate about axle 2185. Cam lever 2181 may rotate from anopen position 2184 (shown in dotted lines in FIG. 22) to a closedposition 2183 (shown in solid lines in FIG. 22) by a use applying forceF. Rotating cam lever 2181 may move spindle 2137 and pin 2187 from thelocked position to the unlocked position along the G axis. When at theopen position, spindle 2137 may be in an unlocked position and cam lever2183 may rotate around axle 2185 to turn spindle 2137 in a directionthat will wind cable or to turn spindle 2137 in an opposite directionthat will unwind cable. When at the closed position, spindle 2137 may bein a locked position and cam lever 2181 may be prevented from rotatingaround axle 2185 so that the desired length of cable may be maintained.When in a closed position, cam lever 2181 may be removed in order toreduce the profile of the removable cam lever system 2110.

In some embodiments, pin 2187 may be used as a cable tightening device,instead of spindle 2137. In some embodiments, cable may be directlyattached to pin 2187. Moving pin 2187 to a locked position may causecable to be pulled tight and moving pin 2187 to an unlocked position maycause cable to be released. Pin 2187 may be moved along the G axis tothe locked and unlocked position by rotating cam lever 2181 along axle2185 to the closed position and open position, respectively, by a userapplying force F. Pin 2187 may move upward along the G axis to thelocked position from the unlocked position when cam lever 2181 isrotated along axle 2185 to the closed position by a user applying forceF. When the pin 2187 is locked, the cam lever 2181 may be removed inorder to reduce the profile of the removable cam lever system 2110. Oncethe cam lever 2181 has been reattached, pin 2187 may move downward alongthe G axis to the unlocked position when cam lever 2181 is rotated alongaxle 2185 to the open position by a user applying an opposing force F.

While various embodiments of the ankle support system have beendescribed, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather thanlimiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artthat many more embodiments and implementations are possible that arewithin the scope of the current embodiments. Accordingly, theembodiments are not to be restricted except in light of the attachedclaims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changesmay be made within the scope of the attached claims. Any of the featuresdescribed in any one embodiment herein may also be include in any otherembodiment described herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of providing support to an ankle andfoot comprising: providing a covering having an outer surface, wherein acable tightening mechanism is rotatably attached to the outer surfaceproximate to a top edge of the covering; providing a first cable segmentextending between the cable tightening mechanism and a first exposedloop portion located on a lateral bottom strap of the covering, thefirst cable segment having a first portion and a second portion, thefirst portion of the first cable segment attached to the cabletightening mechanism and the second portion forming the first exposedloop portion; providing a second cable segment extending between thecable tightening mechanism and a second exposed loop portion located ona medial bottom strap of the covering, the second cable segment having afirst portion and a second portion, the first portion of the secondcable segment attached to the cable tightening mechanism and the secondportion forming the second exposed loop portion; contacting a portion ofan article of footwear with a portion of the covering, the article offootwear having a first footwear loop anchor mounted on a lateral sideof an upper of the article of footwear and a second footwear loop anchormounted on a medial side of the upper; positioning the first exposedloop portion around the first footwear loop anchor; positioning thesecond exposed loop portion around the second footwear loop anchor; androtating the cable tightening mechanism in order to tighten the firstexposed loop portion around the first footwear loop anchor and thesecond exposed loop portion around the second footwear loop anchor. 2.The method according to claim 1, wherein the covering includes aplurality of cut out regions.
 3. The method according to claim 1,wherein the covering includes six cut out regions.
 4. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the first cable segment is slidablyengaged within a first tube guide and the second cable segment isslidably engaged within a second tube guide.
 5. The method according toclaim 1, wherein the lateral bottom strap is positioned above the firstfootwear loop anchor attached to the upper of the article of footwear ina midfoot region, and the medial bottom strap is positioned above thesecond footwear loop anchor attached to the upper of the article offootwear in the midfoot region.
 6. The method according to claim 1,wherein the cover includes a back strap extending from a back medialedge of the cover.
 7. A method of providing support to an ankle and footcomprising: providing a covering having an outer surface, wherein acable tightening mechanism is rotatably attached to the outer surfaceproximate to a top edge of the covering; extending a first segment of acable from the cable tightening mechanism to a first exposed loopportion located on a lateral bottom strap of the covering, the firstcable segment having a first portion and a second portion, the firstportion attached to the cable tightening mechanism and the secondportion forming a first portion of the first exposed loop portion;extending a second segment of the cable between the first exposed loopportion and a second exposed loop portion located on a lateral side edgeof the covering, the second cable segment having a first portion and asecond portion, the first portion forming a second portion of the firstexposed loop portion and the second portion forming a portion of thesecond exposed loop portion; extending a third segment of the cablebetween the cable tightening mechanism and a third exposed loop portionlocated on a medial side bottom strap of the covering, the third cablesegment having a first portion and a second portion, the first portionattached to the cable tightening mechanism and the second portionforming a first portion of the third exposed loop portion; extending afourth cable segment between the third exposed loop portion and a fourthexposed loop portion located on a medial side edge of the covering, thefourth cable segment having a first portion and a second portion, thefirst portion forming a second portion of the third exposed loop portionand the second portion forming a portion of the fourth exposed loopportion; positioning an article of footwear between the lateral bottomstrap and the medial bottom strap of the covering, the article offootwear including a first footwear loop anchor mounted on a lateralside of an upper of the article of footwear and a second footwear loopanchor mounted on a medial side of the upper; disposing the firstexposed loop portion around the first footwear loop anchor, the firstfootwear loop anchor adapted to receive the first exposed loop portion;and disposing the third exposed loop portion around the second footwearloop anchor, the second footwear loop anchor adapted to receive thethird exposed loop portion.
 8. The method according to claim 7, whereinthe covering includes a plurality of cut out regions.
 9. The methodaccording to claim 7, wherein the covering includes six cut out regions.10. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: extending athird portion of the first cable segment within a first tube guide, thethird portion of the first cable segment slidably engaged within thefirst tube guide; extending a third portion of the second cable segmentwithin a second tube guide, the third portion of the second cablesegment slidably engaged within the second tube guide; extending a thirdportion of the third cable segment within a third tube guide, the thirdportion of the third cable segment slidably engaged within the thirdtube guide; and extending a third portion of the third cable segmentwithin a third tube guide, the third portion of the third cable segmentslidably engaged within the third tube guide.
 11. The method accordingto claim 7, further comprising: rotating the cable tightening mechanismin order to tighten the first exposed loop portion around the firstfootwear loop anchor and the third exposed loop portion around thesecond footwear loop anchor.
 12. The method according to claim 7,wherein the cover includes a back strap extending from a back medialedge of the cover.
 13. The method according to claim 7, wherein thelateral bottom strap is positioned above the first footwear loop anchorattached to the upper of the article of footwear in a midfoot region,and the medial bottom strap is positioned above the second footwear loopanchor attached to the upper of the article of footwear in the midfootregion.
 14. A method of providing support to an ankle and footcomprising: providing a covering having an outer surface, wherein acable tightening mechanism is rotatably attached to the outer surfaceproximate to a top edge of the covering; providing a first cable segmenthaving a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of thefirst cable segment attached to the cable tightening mechanism and thesecond portion forming a first exposed loop portion located on a lateralbottom strap of the covering; extending a third portion of the firstcable segment within a first tube guide, the first tube guide attachedto the outer surface of the covering, the third portion of the firstcable segment slidably engaged with the first tube guide; providing asecond cable segment having a first portion and a second portion, thefirst portion of the second cable segment attached to the cabletightening mechanism and a second exposed loop portion located on amedial bottom strap of the covering; extending a third portion of thesecond cable segment within a second tube guide, the second tube guideattached to the outer surface of the covering, the third portion of thesecond cable segment slidably engaged with the second tube guide;positioning an article of footwear between the lateral bottom strap andthe medial bottom strap of the covering, the article of footwearincluding a first footwear loop anchor mounted on a lateral side of anupper of the article of footwear and a second footwear loop anchormounted on a medial side of the upper; placing the first exposed loopextension around the first footwear loop anchor, the first footwear loopanchor extending some distance from the article of footwear; placing thesecond exposed loop portion around the second footwear loop anchor, thesecond footwear loop anchor extending some distance from the article offootwear; and rotating the cable tightening mechanism in order totighten the first exposed loop portion around the first footwear loopanchor and the second exposed loop portion around the second footwearloop anchor.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein first footwear loopanchor is located on a lateral midfoot portion of the upper of thearticle of footwear, and the second footwear loop anchor is located on amedial midfoot portion of the upper of the article of footwear.
 16. Themethod of claim 14, wherein the covering includes a plurality of cutoutportions.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the cover includes a backstrap extending from a back medial edge of the cover.
 18. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the first footwear loop anchor and the second footwearloop anchor each include a D-ring.
 19. The method of claim 14, whereinthe lateral bottom strap is positioned above the first footwear loopanchor attached to the upper of the article of footwear in a midfootregion, and the medial bottom strap is positioned above the secondfootwear loop anchor attached to the upper of the article of footwear inthe midfoot region.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein rotating thereel of the cable tightening mechanism secures the covering to thearticle of footwear.